From a fire pit to a hammock, these backyards say outdoor entertaining — and relaxing.

A Family Fire Pit

A Family Fire Pit

For her Connecticut property, designer Bonnie Edelman carefully crafted a fire pit. "My parents always encouraged us: invest in your own property, not in country clubs," says her husband, John. "So till bedtime it's for s'mores and family bonding. After bedtime it's romantic." Designed with storage in mind, speakers are hidden in the walls of local stone, and logs are stacked under the benches.